Sensing Atrazine Herbicide Degradation Products through Their Interactions with Humic Substances by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

In this work, we have developed a simple method to carry out the quantitative analysis of deethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), most abundant metabolite atrazine herbicide (ATZ), based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering technique. Since ATZ product can undergo pH-dependent tautomerization, previous characterization DEHA vibrational spectrum was accomplished. This study consisted study, both experimental and theoretical, enolic ketonic tautomers molecule. SERS spectra were recorded at different pH in order assess effect metal surface nanoparticles along with structure find optimal conditions detection DEHA. Additionally, interaction two types humic acid reference standards, Elliot leonardite ones, also performed by SERS. conducted objectives: evaluate mechanism degradation substances check if modify sensitivity The results presented clearly demonstrated that spectroscopy is very powerful technique for characterizing other triazine sub-products low concentration water analyzing these important pollutants substances.